Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
4 March 1998
The Gauteng Executive Council (Cabinet), in its meeting in the Premier's Office in Johannesburg today, notes with concern reports in the media that MEC Jessie Duarte yesterday "walked out" of the Commission of Inquiry probing allegations of mismanagement and fraud against her department.
During the meeting, Ms Duarte clarified that she did not walk out of the Commission as was reported. She says she did not continue to sit in the proceedings of the Commission because she could no longer afford to incur further costs of being continuously present at the proceedings.
Cabinet reaffirmed the principle that an MEC or official subject to an inquiry arising from the exercise of his/her official responsibilities is entitled to legal representation at the expense of the state.
The Commission will continue with its normal business with the participation of all affected parties, and it is expected to report to Premier Mathole Motshekga on or before the 14th March 1998.
Issued by the Directorate of Communications and Public Relations in the Office of the Premier. For further enquiries, please call the Premier's Press Secretary, Makhosini Nkosi on 355-6111 or 082 574 5495.